Starfire Sports — Local services in Tukwila

This is a two-fold review and caution: My overall experience is both an "F" and an "A". We've been here for three different soccer tournaments. As a soccer facility, it's very good. Both artificial and grass fields. Mostly outdoor but also indoor soccer. On site food, beer, coffee and restrooms. Generally easy freeway access depending on hwy 405 traffic. Those are all things that make it an "A".

Here's the "F" issue. We attended our 13 year old daughters tournament in mid October. Normal start to things. After the first game, there was a two hour break, from noon to 2:00. Our field was not scheduled during the break, and in fact, was not used. It's field #4, in the main compound. No walking trail around it, no shortcut through it, no playground, no restrooms, no reason to go to it unless you're playing there. Three groups of us parents set our chairs well back off the field, on the furthest side. The team went on it's break, to cars and coolers, we went inside and ordered food and ate. We returned just under two hours for the girls to warm up and all six chairs were gone!

Turns out Starfire staff took them. Apparently considering them "abandoned". Abandoned? Midday, during an ongoing tournament? With another game scheduled to play? Seriously? I found a "manager" at the tournament tent, asked and she stood by the "abandoned" statement. She called staff on her two-way radio and they said they didn't have any chairs. She suggested checking the 'Lost and Found'. Turns out it's a 'deck box' next to the Coke machine. Chairs not there. She suggested I ask inside the main complex. I did, not there. I head back to the field and behold, NOW there are 4 of the 6 chairs laying against the Coke machine. But not my two brand new, nicer chairs. The others were years old, thread worn, stained and collapsible. Our two were new Director chairs with side tables. NOT THERE. I now inquired why and the Manager said staff reported only taking 4 chairs. I don't believe that for a second.

So I mailed 16 letters to the Board of Directors and facilities management explaining the incident and then suggesting that they review their "policies", talk to their staff and if they insist on continuing taking such items that they post signs stating such. I asked for nothing else.

I received a letter back from Director of Operations, Steven Dahl, who, in my opinion, merely justified and rationalized staff actions. There was no mention of my suggestion about policies and staff review or signage.

So, I could give it a 1 star rating just to be spiteful, but the facility, for soccer, is decent. Still, a product without good service, support and integrity is not a product I want. Had the letter been even a little apologetic even for the incident happening at all, which is partly on me (us), and had it stated that a policy review was a good idea (even if they had zero intention to do it), then I would have accepted it and considered it resolved. So, caution to those who go to this facility, I suspect less than honest...

One of the largest soccer training/playing complexes in the area, with an impressive number of fields (more than a dozen, most of them turf), used by soccer teams spanning all age ranges, as well as other sports. I was so glad to find this club, and my daughter was able to join a team and fit right in. The coaches are top notch and friendly, and I'm floored that the clubs' fields serve a central area for matches as well (so I won't have to travel everywhere).

Overall, this facility and the clubs here (e.g., PacNW soccer) are simply awesome. Tons of kids. Welcoming and friendly. Convenient location. Good places for parents to walk while waiting. For example, while waiting, you can walk along the Green River trail, the Black River trail, or within the Starfire park area itself. Or you can run errands in the Southcenter commercial district. Or shoot hoops at the nearby basketball rims at Tukwila park. I know that Starfire is used for more than just soccer, but so far I'm just experiencing this facility as a soccer dad. There's even a soccer shop and cafe here where you can get espresso drinks and a pizza shop. Plus there are bathrooms.

The only drawback is that it's somewhat hard to watch your kid practice. Parents can't enter the big black gates to where the fields are. As a result, if you want to watch, you have to do it from afar. Most parents stand atop the grassy knoll near the bathrooms, but it's hard to see your kids practice unless they're on field 3.

There's one main downside to Starfire: traffic flow on exit is horrible. There's a huge rush of exiting cars just after 6:30pm, and with only one entrance/exit to the park, it can take a good 10 minutes just to get out. It would be great if they staggered the team times a bit more or something.

Also note that the complex charges $6 for parking for weekend games. You need to get a pass...

Shame on you Seattle Starfire !!

I thought Seattle Starfire was amazing at first but now I am disappointed especially when for the second time the team players credentials are not checked before the game starts. Older players are entering the game by 2 and 3 years older. The referees are not paying attention that a male with a long beard entered a 14 year olds game. Referees are letting this slide rules are not followed properly. Something needs to be done this is unacceptable in my book. Our team has worked really hard to get to the Cup Parents need to know what is happening!!

A 19 year old player on the field with a large beard entered to play for U15 South lake FC should not be allowed!! South lake Seattle FC is a Premier team should not be allowed to play in the Rec Cup Only Recreational Soccer Team should be Allowed to play !! Starfire controls the outcome of the game withe their referees and Management!!

Yes it is your fault Starfire your referee allowed all this to happen from the start do your job right and everything will be fine !! Mr. Owner

And please hire someone that speaks better English than your Manager because it was really hard understanding him.

This is a disaster this happened last year, A Select team entered the Rec Cup won by cheating the tournament and Star fire disqualified them but let them keep the trophy!! Shame on you Starfire for allowing all this to happen 2 Years in a...